Competitive undergrad, low grad grades

[fourandtwo]

Hello guys and gals, I’ve been lurking on this forum on and off throughout my journey in life, doing some soul searching. And now I think it’s finally my turn for a “what are my chances” post.

I would be a non-traditional DO applicant. I haven’t taken my MCAT yet, nor have I done shadowing (in the process of reaching out), but so far here are my stats. I calculated these on my own, so they are probably estimates of what the "real" GPA will be:

Undergrad (biotechnology):
Overall GPA: 3.65
Science GPA: 3.695

Master’s (public health)
Overall GPA: 3.295

Unfortunately, I didn’t do so well in grad school. I just wasn’t as engaged by the topic I was studying. It is somewhat related to me being under-satisfied with my current career.

I have volunteered at a hospital in the past (long ago), lived in West Africa for 2 months after undergrad, tutored students with learning disabilities throughout undergrad, TAed virology in grad school, active member in a queers for public health community, and have worked as a professional environmental consultant for 2 years. I'm currently 28 years old, female, still believing in the dream.

I really really want to stay in California...Or close by


Anyway, I often feel too old to go through with this, but the idea lurks in me every year that passes. Any insight or just inspiration/motivation is appreciated.

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[UserUnidentified420]

Not too old at all. Chase your dream

 

[fourandtwo]

Anybody?

 

[BeachBlondie]

Hello guys and gals, I’ve been lurking on this forum on and off throughout my journey in life, doing some soul searching. And now I think it’s finally my turn for a “what are my chances” post.

I would be a non-traditional DO applicant. I haven’t taken my MCAT yet, nor have I done shadowing (in the process of reaching out), but so far here are my stats. I calculated these on my own, so they are probably estimates of what the "real" GPA will be:

Undergrad (biotechnology):
Overall GPA: 3.65
Science GPA: 3.695

Master’s (public health)
Overall GPA: 3.295

Unfortunately, I didn’t do so well in grad school. I just wasn’t as engaged by the topic I was studying. It is somewhat related to me being under-satisfied with my current career.

I have volunteered at a hospital in the past (long ago), lived in West Africa for 2 months after undergrad, tutored students with learning disabilities throughout undergrad, TAed virology in grad school, active member in a queers for public health community, and have worked as a professional environmental consultant for 2 years. I'm currently 28 years old, female, still believing in the dream.

I really really want to stay in California...Or close by


Anyway, I often feel too old to go through with this, but the idea lurks in me every year that passes. Any insight or just inspiration/motivation is appreciated.

Bruh.

I'm going to be 31 in a couple of months and am applying for matriculation in the Fall of 2017. I'm also a career changer and it took me about 7.5 years to get to this point. I applied to allopathic schools for the last 2 years, and was interviewed/waitlisted twice with no dice.

My husband's classmate was 45 and she had two kids in highschool.

The oldest MS-1 student at my top choice is 48.

It ain't over until it's over, sugar. If you want it, move Hell and Earth to achieve it.

 

[lnguyen1412]

First of all, for the sake of staying anonymous, please change your avatar (unless it's not you)

Secondly, nothing wrong with your stats. Get high MCAT, and chase your dream. There's WesternU and Touro-CA here in California.

And last but not least, good luck

 

[holdthemayo]

If you can do well on your MCAT you should be competitive for DO schools. I'm not sure how the lower grad GPA will be viewed, but your undergrad GPA is great. There are two DO schools in CA.

These forums are full of people older than you, including me. In 12 years you will be 40. You can be 40 and a doctor, or 40 and doing something else, but you'll be 40 either way. If this is what you want then go for it!

 

[fourandtwo]

@holdthemayo @lnguyen1412 @UserUnidentified420 Thanks for replying you guys

@BeachBlondie You are a badass! Sometimes I do feel like your 20s are for growing and developing yourself. Then late 20s-30s to change up your path.

 

[cyang55]

Your chances now depends on your MCAT. GPA is wayy too hard to change and little can be done about it, and your's are too low. Definitely shadow DOs, since some schools require a DO LOR. 28 is definitely not too old! We have someone in our class that's in their 40s. Good luck!

 

[fourandtwo]

I wonder if @Goro would have any insight about my grad-school GPA?

 

[BeachBlondie]

@holdthemayo @lnguyen1412 @UserUnidentified420 Thanks for replying you guys

@BeachBlondie You are a badass! Sometimes I do feel like your 20s are for growing and developing yourself. Then late 20s-30s to change up your path.

Your 20's are all about finding our who you are; your 30's are all about owning it. Good luck!

 

[Goro]

An MPH by itself won't do anything for your app. Doing less than stellar will hurt, but I don't think it will be lethal if you apply broadly.

I wonder if @Goro would have any insight about my grad-school GPA?

 

[samac]

I gotta agree with Goro, per usual. Apply broadly. If you're stuck on California you have to kill the MCAT. If you don't and you're unwilling to go elsewhere you probably won't be going to medical school.